Shag Area Rugs Are Back In Style

Shag area rugs are once again returning to the decorating landscape. Popular in the 1970′s shag rugs are rugs with long, shaggy pile made from a variety of fibers. Then, as now, pile lengths vary with the style and design of the rug. The shag area rugs, also called throw rugs, of the ‘70′s were often brightly colored in the popular colors of times, such as bright yellow, orange and purple. Now, you will find them in more traditional colors and earth tones as well.

Shag rugs are soft and comfortable and feel great on your feet. They provide interest and drama to a room and are easy to incorporate into any decorating scheme. Modern decorating trends lend themselves well to shag area rugs and these area rugs are now being designed with geometric earth tones and stripes in addition to solids. The range of colors available is much broader than it was in the past as materials and dyes have improved and expanded.

Synthetic fibers, as well as natural fibers, are used to make shag area rugs. 100% Nylon rugs are easy to care for, non-twisting and static free. They are also less expensive than wool or cotton. Wool blend shags are a popular option because the synthetic adds texture and a bit of sheen to the pile while the synthetic adds durability and luster.  Some Nylon rugs have also been designed to keep the pile fluffy and are not prone to fattening as some natural fiber rugs are. Polyester and acrylic are other synthetics used in the making of area rugs.

Leather shag area rugs are an interesting option for use in a den, office or teen’s room. They are made using strips of leather, in a variety of colors that are attached to a backing to create a rug.   Some are made from wide strips of leather while others are made of spaghetti sized strips.  They vary in price and quality.

People who enjoy natural products such as wool or cotton can enjoy them in a shag area rug that has special properties. Environmental considerations make the use of natural products and the avoidance of synthetics more important to many.  Wool is naturally hypoallergenic and if you are prone to allergies a good option.  Wool, in fact, has properties that will actually clean the air in your home and does not become a haven for dust mites and bacteria.

For those who are interested in protecting our environment, bamboo shag area rugs are another option. Similar to wool in its beneficial properties, bamboo shag is softer than cotton and has sheen akin to silk. It is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and antibacterial. Bamboo is considered a renewable resource because it grows so quickly and is being used for hard wood floors as well.

An area rug can add warmth and interest to a room and a shag area rug in particular can add interest and drama to your decorating scheme.  They work as well in a modern setting, and color scheme, where solids and bold colors look spectacular as in a more traditional setting where earth tones and shades of blues and burgundy are used. Soft and inviting, you can’t go wrong by adding a shag area rug to any room in your home.

Black Area Rugs Provide An Elegant Or Dramatic Decorating Touch

Black is a color that can be added to any decorating scheme and quickly lends an air of sophistication and elegance to a room. Black area rugs provide the perfect way to add black to existing design to add contrast and a touch of drama to a decorating scheme that has grown stale or needs a spark.

The modern style of decorating uses clean lines and streamlined furniture lending itself well to the use of black. White floors and walls and tone-on-tone fabrics work well with minimalist décor and a clutter free lifestyle. Black, white, gray and chrome with geometric designs and shapes dominate the scene. Large, unadorned windows create an open, airy environment that supports the predominantly neutral tones of furniture and fabrics.  Black area rugs fit right in to a modern style.

Black and gray is a very common color scheme for a living room decorated in the modern style. Soft gray walls, black furniture with silver and glass tables are often complimented with several black area rugs and black and white geometric designed pillows. A splash of color is then added by strategically placing a large modern design painting in bold primary colors to one wall or a large unique sculpture in a central location. A bright yellow or red accent pillow can placed on the couch to add interest and tie the room together.

A white tufted leather headboard can kick off the transformation of a traditional bedroom into a modern styled bedroom.  Using white bed linens and dark mahogany modern styled furniture will take you a step further. Add floor to ceiling white drapes and white flooring and your ready to add some color back in. Scatter black area rugs on either side of the bed and install modern wall sconces for nighttime reading. Choose chrome and white or bright red and yellow scones depending on whether you prefer to leave the room stark and clean or add a splash of color.

The modern style trend is finding its way into kitchen design as well. Red, black and white produces dramatic results. Again using simple clean lines, we are beginning to see black, gray and chrome cabinets and white countertops. Shiny surfaces, solid white or black large ceramic tile flooring, and chrome and glass light fixtures add dimension. Now and again a bold splash of red is added by adding red appliances or a single red kitchen island. Black area rugs are easily added for warmth to this interior decorating scheme as well.

Shag rugs have also returned to the interior decorating world.  A black shag area rug can look spectacular in a bathroom or bedroom. Black doesn’t compete with the decor of a room and is easy to add into any decorating scheme. A black area rug of any size or type is adaptable and versatile. You can’t go wrong with purchasing one for your home and may even find you go back to the store for another.

Room Size Rugs Require A Proper Fit

Room size rugs are being used more often now than wall to wall carpeting. More homes are returning to hardwood flooring or adding ceramic tile and then using room size rugs to add warmth and comfort. It is important, however, to choose the proper size rug to create the decorating effect you desire.

A rug that is not the right size can look awkward and misplaced. If it is too small it will not pull a group of furniture together as you had planned or may have a tendency to get bunched up under furniture. If an area rug is too large it may hang out beyond the furniture and find its edge right in the middle of the path where people most often walk. Room size rugs can enhance the look of a room if they are properly sized.

Begin by deciding what you want to accomplish with your area rug. A small area rug placed in the middle of a room and not meant to be a room sized rug should leave bare floor between it and the furniture in the room. On the other hand, a rug used to bring the furniture together in a group should be large enough that all the legs of the furniture are on the rug with room to spare and without interfering with the traffic flow.

Dining rooms require room size rugs that again are large enough to accommodate the space needed for the chairs. A common rule of thumb is to add four feet to the size of the table on all sides. Likewise, a hallway runner should allow no more than four inches on all sides.

Room size rugs are a good choice in rooms where you want to add warmth and interest and bright colors and modern designs may become a focal point in the room. They are a popular option for use in homes with hardwood floors as they protect the floor while making a room feel homier.

Before you purchase a rug evaluate the room and décor. Decide whether or not you want it to be a focal point in the room or a foil for other features. Notice the traffic pattern in the room and then begin measuring. If the rug you are considering has a border, measure the border and note where it will fall when the rug is in place.  Will the border be visible? Do you want it to be? As much as possible choose a rug that leaves an equal amount of space on all sides.

Room size rugs should be large enough to fill the room while leaving at least a foot from the edge of the carpet to the wall.  For example, if your room is 10′ x 12′, an 8′ x 10′ rug should fit nicely. Area rugs are available in the following sizes: 3′x 5′, 5′ x 8′, 8′ x 10′, 9′ x 12′ and 10′ x 15′. If none of these sizes will work, a custom sized rug is probably your best option.